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Rob Ryan with the Raiders last year. (David Zalubowski / Associated Press)
Even at 62 years old, Rob Ryan, USC’s new linebackers coach, isn’t one to observe drills from the sidelines.
In the mix with his linebacker corps Thursday during spring practice, he guided even USC’s most senior defender, Eric Gentry, on proper technique — hitting the blocking shield and tackling dummy himself with the agility of a man half his size and age.
“His attitude is contagious,” cornerback Prophet Brown said. “He’s always a positive guy. He’s always out there with a big smile, he’s loud, stuff like that gets you to want to play harder for coaches like that.”
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Ryan is a character. Coming from a family of coaching personalities — his father, Buddy Ryan, and twin brother, Rex Ryan — the gene has certainly been passed down.
“I love him, he’s a fireball,” Brown added. “That’s how you got to be at linebacker — you got to have some fiery linebackers. I think he embodies that personality well.”
Read more: USC names NFL veteran Rob Ryan its linebackers coach, filling Trojans’ final vacancy
Desman Stephens II, a sophomore linebacker, remembers Ryan’s down-to-earth demeanor at their first meeting and the authenticity the coach exuded.
“However y’all see him in those videos, that’s exactly how he is,” Stephens said. “He’s the same person, no matter if he’s with the president or whoever. It doesn’t really matter to him. He’s going to be authentic no matter what.”
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But beyond his larger-than-life personality, Ryan brings a wealth of coaching experience. As a member of a Super Bowl-winning lineage — Buddy with two rings, Rex with one and Rob with two himself — he’s picked up plenty of wisdom and is eager to share it.
At Thursday’s practice, Ryan could be overheard…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/article/rob-ryans-enthusiasm-winning-over-030757974.html
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Publish date : 2025-03-28 03:07:00
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